Paul Pierce led Boston with 27 points. Eddie House continued his hot shooting, going 6-7 from the field to finish with 15 points.

Anthony Johnson was the story of the game.

The odd-looking veteran started in place of the suspended Rafer Alston and scored 13 points over the first three quarters. But, he didn’t play in the fourth quarter after getting in a confrontation with coach Stan Van Gundy.

Johnson helped the Magic push the ball early in the game. Boston looked slow defensively, especially late in the third quarter.

Here are the highlights:

I like Orlando to win this series, especially if the Magic keep running and Rashard Lewis goes to the basket and scores inside.

Courtney Lee returned from his broken face and played with a mask. He and Mickael Pietrus both played well off the bench for Orlando.

Boston battled foul trouble for much of the game, but that’s no excuse for playing such pathetic, soft defense.

Stay tuned for more on the Johnson-Van Gundy saga. Okay, it’s really not a saga, but we’ll keep you posted.